Our Team

Come and meet our team! Our marine educators are so passionate about what they do, they can’t wait to visit you soon.

Richard Coward – Director of Education/Owner

Richard’s incredible passion for the marine environment and his vibrant personality allow him to educate and inspire children and adults to care for the ocean and its inhabitants.

Richard has extensive experience managing exhibits in local and overseas aquariums, working with sharks, seals, penguins, turtles, sea jellies, fish, octopus and invertebrates to name a few. He has been involved in research projects such as buoyancy syndrome turtle research, shark research and breeding programs as well as whale rescue.

Richard’s knowledge has been reported on the Totally Wild television series and various news broadcasts. As a father of three children he enjoys the fascination sea animals bring to young minds.

Tracey Coward – Business Manager/Owner

Ocean Life Education Business Manager, Tracey Coward, realised the need for Eco-Education for early ages and founded the business with her husband, Richard, in 2006.

Tracey and Richard have lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 30 years and have three school-aged children all sharing a love for animals and the natural environment. Tracey has a Graduate Certificate in Business Management and Master of Business Administration.

“Our vision is to create enjoyment and awareness of the Marine Environment at an early age, imprinting a sense of ownership and protectiveness that can be carried with them into the future as responsible adults, all of which is vital for our future sustainability.”

Alex – Marine Educator

Alex is passionate about the natural world. Her devotion to the ocean began on family holidays snorkelling in the Whitsundays and continues with her desire to travel all around Australia and explore every inch of the coastline.

She studied Marine Biology and Zoology at the University of Queensland and is now completing a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management to further continue her education and commitment to the environment.

Alex enjoys educating and engaging future generations about the importance of conservation to encourage interest and intrigue about the unique nature around us. On a side note- she also hopes to one day swim with whale sharks!

Kimberley – Marine Educator

Kimberley’s love of animals started at a young age, helping her Mum as a wildlife carer and rehabilitator. When she finished school, she turned her passion into qualifications, with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Wildlife Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management. After working across Australia as an ecologist, Kimberley returned to South East Queensland to focus on marine conservation.

“One of my most memorable experiences many years ago was my first scuba dive, seeing rays and sharks up close with the breath taking sounds of whales got me hooked on the wonder of the ocean ecosystems! I love introducing children and adults to the marine species that they haven’t met or even heard of before, seeing their faces light up when they get to touch or hold an animal for the first time is very rewarding. I’m an advocate for science and nature and I feel strongly about inspiring our next generation of wildlife scientists!”

Rachel – Marine Educator

Rachel loves the ocean and tries to spend every spare moment near it, on it or under it! Her passion for marine life has seen her work on conservation projects in far flung corners of the world.

Rachel’s favourite animals are corals and sharks and she has worked in many areas including coral disease monitoring, coral reef surveying, whale shark monitoring, invasive species management and coral nurseries. Rachel is also a dive instructor and spends her weekends diving on North Stradbroke Island.

“I have a firm belief that education is the key to conservation. As the saying goes: we conserve only what we love, we love only what we understand, and we understand only what we are taught. Science needs to be more accessible to the general public. By educating and creating understanding and love for the ocean we can instil a sense of environmental responsibility and create ocean ambassadors to help to conserve our precious marine eco-systems.”

Tiff – Marine Educator

Tiff has always loved animals. When she was little she was going to be a dolphin trainer!

After studying Marine Biology and Zoology at the University of Queensland, she decided to use her passion for animal behaviour as a Guide Dog Trainer here in Queensland.

Tiff loves being able to use the marine side of her studies, and says that her favourite thing about working for Ocean Life Education is sharing her passion for marine animals and conservation.

“Seeing the enjoyment and excitement of the children and groups we present to, is the most rewarding part”.

Meaghan – Marine Educator

Meaghan is a scientist by trade, adventurer at heart and natural wonder of the world enthusiast!

Meaghan holds bachelor and postgraduate qualifications in science and biotechnology and is currently completing a PhD in molecular biology science with a team working on a Crown-of-Thorns Starfish project to combat the population outbreak crisis on the Great Barrier Reef.

“I feel a great sense of responsibility for the environment and nature. My work with Ocean Life Education to inspire and educate children about the ocean, marine life and human impact is extremely rewarding. I am constantly surprised by the intelligence and knowledge our upcoming generation have at such a young age and believe in the power of science communication and education to evoke positive change”

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